If you want to visit the Chullpas of Sillustani, this is your opportunity as we will discover the 90 Chullpas that once served as an ancient Inca cemetery; they were built in the shape of stone cylinders and are known for their size and the precision in their construction, making them an important archaeological site.
Now I will share details on how to get there, the cost of the visit, hours, and some recommendations to enjoy this fascinating archaeological site, an ancient Inca cemetery.
The Sillustani Chullpas, located 34 km from Puno next to the Umayo Lagoon, are an important Inca cemetery at 4,000 meters of altitude; the archaeological complex has 90 inverted cone-shaped chullpas.
These funerary structures belong to the Kolla culture (13th-15th centuries), where nobles, rulers, and priests were buried; the site was an important funerary center in southern Peru, where special rituals for the deceased were performed.
Characteristics of the Sillustani Chullpas
The doors of the Sillustani Chullpas are oriented towards the east, seeking to allow the deceased to communicate with the Sun God (Inti); these doors are small, designed only for the entry of the funerary bundles, which were then closed with small stones.
The interior of the chullpas is made of smaller, uncut stones, while the exterior features large stones perfectly joined without gaps; the details on the tombs vary depending on the status of the deceased, with more refined tombs at the top, where snake and lizard figures are carved in stone.
It is about a 30-minute drive from the paved road that connects Puno and Juliaca, and can be accessed from several nearby points:
From Cusco, take a bus at the terrestrial terminal to Puno; once you arrive, you should take a shared taxi to Juliaca, then another one to the Sillustani junction, and finally arrive at the archaeological site. For the return trip, you must repeat the same route.
From Puno, you can take a taxi or mototaxi to the Sillustani junction, where you will wait for a shared taxi to fill up before heading to the Chullpas site. The cost of the shared taxi is approximately 4 soles.
Upon arrival, pay for your entry at the ticket booth and start your tour. For the return, repeat the same process and make sure to take the taxis with passengers already inside as they will leave faster.
The Sillustani Chullpas are open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entry fee is $4 for adults, $2 for university students, and $1 for children under 12 years old.
Exploring the mysteries and archaeological sites of Peru with Illapa.com will be one of the best experiences you’ll have, especially in the city of Puno. Our company has trained staff who will guide you on a unique tour during your visit to the city.
With Illapa.com, you can enjoy an enriching journey with quality service that will allow you to discover the best of the Puno region in a close and professional way.
If you are planning to travel to the Sillustani Chullpas, keep these recommendations in mind:
Visiting one of the most important Inca cemeteries in Latin America is a unique experience. Additionally, you can explore the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and enjoy immersive tourism. Peru is full of tourist attractions that definitely deserve to be discovered.
Come and discover what Puno has to offer. If you want to enjoy your trip, write to us at +51 944 714 563 or by email at info@illapa.com. Let us take care of everything and guide you to your destination.
